Occupation Blues by Mark Knopfler Chords & Tabs - Lambcox

Guitar Tabs Analysis

1. Tabs Analysis

This guitar tabs showcases distinctive melodic and harmonic elements that captivate the player and the listener alike.

Unique Features:

• Bars 1-4: The opening bars use a combination of suspended chords and rhythmic strumming that introduces a rich texture. Particularly noteworthy is bar 1, employing frets 5 and 3 of the 4th and 5th strings to create a resonant foundation, complemented by the plucking technique indicated as (B3HC4), allowing for a dynamic tone variation.

• Bar 3: Here, the use of the sliding technique (B3SC4) adds an expressive quality. The shift from fret 5 to fret 6 on the 3rd string creates a smooth connection between the notes, enhancing the fluidity of the melody.

• Bar 7: This bar employs a mixture of open strings and fretted notes, creating an expansive sound. The rest notes (0) effectively provide breathing space amid denser melodic passages, underscoring the interplay between silence and sound.

• Bars 9-12: The transition to higher frets in bar 9 introduces a bright timbre. The combination of hybrid picking with (B3G3Full) and (B3HC4) is a signature move in guitar solos, allowing for a nuanced articulation of notes, especially as it leads into the subsequent variations.

2. Performance Challenges

The sheet presents various technical challenges that players may encounter:

• Bar 6 involves a shift from the 3rd to the 5th string while balancing between frets 3 and 4. The rapid transitions may disrupt timing and require substantial finger independence.

• Bars 9 and 10: The introduction of multiple techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs alongside strumming during these bars demands precise coordination and timing. It may pose difficulty, particularly for intermediate players.

• Bar 13 features intricate chord progressions using a mix of frets and multiple techniques (D#4-(G#4-D#4-)(B3HC4)F4-(B3G3Full)). This requires an adept understanding of finger positioning and is instrumental in developing dexterity.

3. Practice Recommendations

To effectively navigate the challenges presented in this sheet, players should consider the following practice methods:

Specific Exercises:

• Bars 1-4: Focus on the transition between the full chords and the plucked notes. Practice slowly, emphasizing clarity in each note. Gradually increase speed while maintaining consistency in sound. A metronome can help solidify timing.

• Bar 6: Build muscle memory through repetitive drills focused on moving between the 3rd and 5th strings. Isolate the finger movements, first without timing, then incorporate rhythm.

• Bars 9-10: Utilize slow practice to master the intricacies of the hammer-ons and pull-offs. Break these bars into smaller segments, playing each technique in isolation before combining them gradually.

General Tips:

• For the use of (B3SC4), practice sliding between notes in a controlled manner. Use a visual aid to reinforce the fretboard layout to minimize errors.

• Establish a consistent fingering system to mitigate struggle with more complex passages. For example, always using the same fingers on specific frets can help streamline execution.

• Record your practices to identify areas needing improvement and adjust your playing mechanics accordingly.

By engaging deeply with this tabs and applying these tailored practice methods, you can effectively enhance your technical skills and overall musicality on the guitar.